Chapter 32: The Matchmaker Meltdown
Ethan’s live matchmaking event was already teetering between ridiculous and downright unbearable. The ballroom sparkled with excessive glitz: gold streamers dangled from the ceiling, heart-shaped confetti littered the floor, and a giant neon sign that read "Where Love Meets Data!" blinked obnoxiously in the corner.
It was like a corporate Valentine’s Day threw up everywhere.
Ava was nursing a mediocre glass of white wine by the bar, eyeing the velvet-draped stage where Ethan was basking under a spotlight. His perfectly coiffed hair glistened like it had been shellacked with success, and he wore a grin so smug it could power a solar panel.
"I already hate this," she muttered, picking at a mini quiche from her plate.
Ryan, leaning lazily against the bar beside her, swirled his whiskey. "I mean, you knew it’d be insufferable. It’s Ethan. He probably sends himself Valentine’s cards."
Ava snorted despite herself. "Why are you even here?"
Ryan took a sip, shrugging. "Morbid curiosity. And Mei said there’d be free food."
"Great. I’m glad my misery comes with free hors d’oeuvres for you."
Before Ryan could fire back, Ethan’s voice boomed over the speakers, slick and syrupy.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, spreading his arms like a self-satisfied prophet, "tonight, we witness the unparalleled power of Cupid’s Algorithm! And to prove its brilliance, I’ve prepared something very special."
Ava’s stomach clenched. "Why do I feel like we’re about to be part of something horrifying?"